Iskhakov signed a contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL on Wednesday, Ethan Sears of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iskhakov played in one regular-season contest and one playoff game, earning an assist in his only NHL action. The undersized winger has seemingly been surpassed on the organization depth chart, so he'll head home to Russia to play for the first time since 2017-18. The Islanders will retain his NHL rights since he was given a qualifying offer.

Iskhakov was recalled from AHL Bridgeport on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Iskhakov figures to be inserted into the lineup immediately against the Penguins on Wednesday in order to give Hudson Fasching and Mathew Barzal the night off. That would mark an NHL debut for the 23-year-old Iskhakov -- he's racked up 18 goals and 32 assists in 69 minor-league games this season.

Iskhakov signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders on Wednesday, per CapFriendly.

EDGE Analysis

Iskhakov spent 2021-22 with Adler Mannheim in the DEL, logging 22 points in 25 appearances as well as three goals in four games in the Champions Hockey League tournament. The Russian winger likely needs more time to develop on offense, so he'll probably play with AHL Bridgeport or get loaned out to another European team in 2022-23.

Iskhakov inked a one-year contract with Finnish side TPS on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

In two seasons at the University of Connecticut, Iskhakov recorded 15 goals and 27 helpers in 64 outings. The Russian will forego two more years of eligibility in order to join the professional ranks by signing overseas. Drafted by the Islanders with the 43rd overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the 19-year-old center should be in the mix for a roster spot with the club ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, barring a disastrous year in Finland.

Iskhakov was drafted 43rd overall by the Islanders at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The very definition of a diminutive forward, Iskhakov is listed at 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds, and he may very well be smaller than that. His offensive abilities are off the charts but he may just be too small to ever carve out a career at the NHL level. Iskhakov possesses elite vision and hockey sense, but he doesn't skate all that well for a kid so small and mobility is often the most important attribute for an undersized player. While an intriguing prospect, Iskhakov is nothing more than a high-end lottery ticket.